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THE LOCKED JOURNAL
Page 6.
It was now the middle of winter and the wettest winter the Colony has ever known, and the day we went back
was no exception. We started before noon, but before we got a mile on our way, while going thro' Weston's Flat,
which was a sheet of water 200 yards long, the dray got bogged, and all the efforts of the driver were unavailing to
make the bullocks move; while the driver lost heart entirely, and cried bitterly and the rain pouring down like a
torrent, we were all in a most pitiable condition, the poor children drenched, and our beds and clothing wet
through. When the rain ceased I went to a man I saw just putting his horses into the plough in a paddock near by
and asked him to kindly give us a pull out of the bog with his horses, but he flatly refused, said he wanted to get on
with his ploughing which was all behind. I appealed to his sympathy for my poor wife and children but to no
purpose, and I was just sorrowfully leaving him when his wife came out, and on my stating my case to her, she
said her husband should go, and as the "grey mare was the better horse" he had to do so, grumbling and swearing
all the time. However his horses soon pulled both bullocks and dray out on to firmer land and I was grateful to him.
His name was Weston, as I have remembered ever since. But the rain again came down, and so slow was our
progress, that night fell before we got to Mt Barker Flat, and we were unable to get over the log bridge into Mt
Barker. The fact was, our driver was no Bullock driver, he couldn't even swear. In this extremity, we were obliged
to seek shelter, at Mr Dare's lodgings at Mr Ben Fuller's. Nothing could have been kinder than the reception we
received. Mr Dare busied himself with caring for the poor children, and both Mr and Mrs Fuller rendered us every
service in their power. After a hearty meal beds were improvised on the floor for the children and the Mother and
young John Dunn, now Hon John, M.L.C. took me home with him to sleep. In the meantime our belongings were
left to take care of themselves, but in the morning were found alright, and thanking all our friends for their great
kindness, we started after a good breakfast to continue our journey. We had only 4 miles to go to Hay Valley but
so bad were the roads, that we were bogged several times, and it was after dark before we reached our home, being
two days in doing twelve miles.
Starting again.
Within a fortnight thereafter we removed into Nairne. I was led to take this step, at the suggestion of Mr Dawes
the Miller, who had in several ways assisted me, and who promised that whenever they formed a District Council
he would see to it that I should be appointed Clerk and I knew he had influence enough and the owner of the house
Mr S Sanders would expect no rent, until I was in a position to pay for it, which I honorably did a few months
afterwards. Mr Dawes also told me to roll a bag of flour over when I wanted it, and pay when I could - (I lived just
opposite the Mill). I also earned a few shillings now and then in writing letters and making out a/cs for the farmers.
Another disappointment.
About this time I received a letter from the Revd Mr Newland, Congregational Minister of Encounter Bay, and
one of the largest Farmers around, in fact, he was called the King of Encounter Bay, stating that the RevD Mr Stow
of Adelaide had recommended me, as a fit man to occupy the position of a Congregational Preacher at Port Elliot
and Currency Creek. Port Elliot being a rising place at that time and thought likely by some to rival even Port
Adelaide. He would also use his influence to get me the License for Teaching at Port Elliot, and wishing me to
come and see him. Accordingly, I started off one morning with my blanket and Swag in which was the only suit
of rusty black I possessed, to tramp to Encounter Bay, a distance of over 70 miles, but that was nothing to me at
that time. How I lost my way in the Finniss Scrub, wandering all day I know not whither. How I crossed the
Black Swamp at the imminent risk of life and slept in an old disused Chapel at Currency Creek until forced to get
up by myriads of fleas and mosquitos, must pass for saying. Suffice it that I reached Pt Elliott [sic] by day break the
third morning and then continued my journey along the Coast to Encounter Bay. I had to cross a small river, the
Inman or the Hindmarsh, there being no bridge, so I undressed and placing my swag and clothes on my head I
waded through, it was not above waist high, and getting to the other side, I made my toilet casting off my digging
clothes and putting on my Clerical Costume, such as it was, to make myself more presentable. But I had a
“shocking bad hat”. In this guise I appeared before Mr Newland who received me very kindly, and at tea shortly
afterwards introduced me to his lady and family and also to the visitors present of whom there were among others
a Mr England and a Mr Coulthard, two young Civil Engineers, not long from home, the latter of whom, some years
afterwards, perished miserably of thirst in the North West Bush, on an exploring expedition. His remains when
discovered were identified by his canteen, on which he had scratched a record of his dreadful sufferings.
That canteen is now I think to be seen in the Museum. This was Thursday and for the two next days I occupied
myself in viewing the splendid scenery of the Bay, in reading from the fine library there and in other ways. On the
Saturday evg. he informed me that he had arranged for me to preach at Port Elliot on Sunday mg., and at his
Tabernacle at night so that he might hear me. Accordingly on Sunday mg. his son Samuel, late the Treasurer
of S.A. were mounted on horse back, which to me at least was a novel and very painful experience, and proceeded
to Port Elliot. I preached in a large barn or unfinished shed, but there was a good audience of about 50 or 60
persons among whom where [sic] the late Mr O K Richardson Under Secretary, and Captain Lipson Harbour
Master of the Port. We got back in the afternoon and I preached for Mr Newland at his church in the evening under
most distressing circumstances. On Monday mg. after breakfast he took me out into the arbor in his beautiful
garden, sloping down to the sea, the panorama of sea and land one of the most magnificent pictures I ever beheld,
and asked me what it was to be. He was willing to abide by his offer and thought he could see the leadings of
Providence in it. I replied that at present I felt much afraid that I should fail in fulfilling such a responsible position,
but I would think over his kind offer, and ask the Lord's direction and definitely reply within a fortnight. To this
he agreed, and we parted, and I never saw him any more, as he was killed some years afterwards in travelling
between town and Encounter Bay. I must pass over my journey homewards, merely stating that I lost myself again
in the Finiss [sic] Scrub, was picked up by an old Farmer named McHarg who kindly took me to his house, and
gave me a good meal and then put me in the track to the Black Swamp, saying I couldn't well lose now. But I did
lose it, and wandered about till long after nightfall when I was attracted by a light, and at last weary and footsore
I was received into the house of a Mr Sunman, and found I had wandered almost back to Currency Creek. I spent
the night under his hospitable roof and next mg. he mounted his horse and went with me some miles in fact nearly
to the Black Swamp, which I safely crossed and was soon on the high track to Strathalbyn.
I reached home in due course, and thought and prayed about the matter. Your Mother thought it was a merciful
interposition of God on our behalf but the more I thought about it, the more distasteful it became. While I preached
for the love of God, I could be happy enough but I thought if I was a hired preacher, at so much a week or quarter,
I should never feel I was in my right place, and should come to loathe it. Besides, I knew that the Congregationalists
liked good sermons, and I doubted my ability to give them, and so, when the fortnight was nearly up, I wrote Mr
Newland declining his offer. Mr G. Taplin afterwards Protector of Aborigines was soon after appointed to the
position and I believe fulfilled its duties with far greater ability than I should have done.
Town Clerk of Nairne
It was in August 1853, I think, that the Nairne District Council was formed and I was chosen Clerk at a salary of
£100 per annum, thus happily lifting me out of all my poverty and trouble. It was soon after this, that Mr Tilley and
myself became tenants under Mrs Smillie on her home section at the "Vallies" 3 miles from Nairne. I rented 20
acres and Mr Tilley 50, the remaining ten acres forming Mrs Smillie's garden and homestead. We each built a
cottage of two rooms on our land and very soon were domiciled therein. My engagement with the Council only
required attendance at the Office 3 days a week and I therefore had a great deal of leisure to attend to our farm, for
so we dignified it. We very soon got a Cow, then some pigs and fowls, and your dear Mother was soon in her
element, with plenty to do in farm and house. We soon bought more Cows, and increased our live stock of all sorts,
and as my position as Clerk of the Council brought me plenty of other work as Secy to the Oddfellow and Foresters,
Secy Buildg Societies, etc etc etc, I had plenty to do, and the money came rolling in. I worked hard both on the farm
and at the desk, and your Mother kept the house with the sale of her produce, so that we were on the road to worldly
prosperity. And now I shall rapidly pass over the remainder of my history as you my elder dear children were now
old enough to be to some extent cognisant of all that transpired. I think it was in Jany. 1857, that I commenced
School in Nairne, resigning my Clerkship of the Council, but retaining most of my other Offices. I opened with
about 50 and in a week or two I had over 80 Scholars, so that we determined to leave our farm, and come to
Nairne to live, so as to attend to the School properly. Your dear Mother had the smaller children under her care
in a separate room, while your sister Mary was my assistant in the big School room. My Salary from the Board
was £80 per annum and Mary's £20, but I expect I took it all.
I had bought the lease with right of purchase of the acre on which the old Public House stood, and soon begun
to build a new front with three shops, but soon found it was anything but a profitable venture. In a part of this old
house we lived for some time, but afterwards I became the owner of the White House across the Creek to which
we soon removed. Here we had a fine garden with fruit trees and vines, but as both properties have passed away
from me I shall not dwell further upon the circumstances connected either with acquiring or losing them.
Perhaps it would be interesting at this time to note the state of our family say, in Jany 1857, the date of my
recommencing the practice of my profession as a teacher. I think I stated that a little girl was born when I was
away at the Diggings in 1852. Her name was Matilda. But God reclaimed her when we were at the Vallies in the
winter of 1853, and this was the first break in our family circle which was in Jany 1857, as follows.
Father and Mother, Mary 1, Susanna 2, Amelia Binfield 3, Joseph Hill 4, Annie Oceana 5, Eliza Smillie 6, and
Emma Matilda 7 the baby. I see I have misplaced Annie and Eliza the latter being the elder.
(Joseph is incorrect, his text in the Journal has been subsequently amended by an unknown person in blue ink,
as Annie Oceana b. 1849, Eliza Smillie b.1855 and “elder” amended to “younger” which is correct.)
Family members.
In 1858 Emma Matilda died at about 15 months old. Within a month or so of this death our number was again
made up to eight, by the arrival of a little boy, a rare event in our family, who was named William Charles 9. Two
years later viz. in 1860, our youngest child Isabella Bond 10 was born, and this completed our family number
viz. ten children, of whom two were dead. But there are other deaths to record, so distressing and agonising in
their nature that I cannot bring myself to record them at this present.
Footnote.
Order of children & dates of birth:
1. Mary b 1839 Windsor; 2. Susanna b 1841 Windsor; 3. Amelia Binfield c. 1843 Windsor; 4. Joseph Hill b 1846
Lancaster; 5. Annie Oceana b 1849 nr Teneriffe; 6. Matilda b 1852 Nairne d 1853; 7. Eliza Smillie b 1855 (where
not recorded, but registered Adelaide); 8. Emma Matilda b 1857 Nairne d 1858; 9. William Charles b 1858
Nairne; 10. Isabella Bond b 1860 Nairne.
Joseph resumed his Journal 24/1/87
Family Tragedy.
Our eldest Boy, Joseph Hill, born at Lancaster England on Decr. 1st 1847 [sic], was a weakly child at his birth.
I don't think he could walk alone till nearly 2 years old. He continued weakly till we embarked for Adelaide, but the
climate of Australia evidently agreed with him and he improved rapidly. He was moderately quick at learning, and
at 14 or before he entered the services of Mr Christen the Chemist and Stationer at Nairne who also had the
Telegraph Office there, which he quickly learnt and soon became very useful to his master. On the 1st of Dec 1862
he was 16 years of age a fine promising lad and both the joy and pride of my life, but Alas! I was soon to lose him.
On Saturday night the 13th Decr, I was at the Lodge room about 7 p.m. making up my Books for it was Lodge
night, when someone came rushing in, and told me that Joe was killed near the old Mill. I ran breathlessly up,
leaving my hat and coat behind me and found him lying stretched by the side of the main road, and Dr Weld
examining him while his poor dear Mother was standing speechless and tearless (at first) by his poor body.
It required but a few minutes to complete the examination and the Doctor pronounced him dead. We then had him
conveyed to the house of Mr Hughes opposite (Father of J Hughes my son in law). Here we found the fatal wound,
the base of the skull being fractured. In his pocket I found his months wages, true to a penny. He had given notice
to leave that night, I think because his master would not raise his wages.
We then had him taken home to Byethorn where we then lived, and Oh! what a desolate house it was. Your
poor dear Mother's grief at last gave vent, and she became alarmingly ill, all thro' the night it was doubtful both to
the Doctor and to ourselves whether she would rally, but in God's great mercy, during the next day her great natural
strength prevailed, and she was mercifully spared to us.
It was truly a melancholy Sunday we passed, now and then going into the Death chamber to gaze upon the placid
features of our dead boy, only a few hours since so full of animation and life. I must not forget here to record
That our Minister Rev H. Chester, who had been preaching at Woodside, came miles out of his way in his journey
home, to condole with us. Seeing us all sitting so silent and mournful, with your Mother reclining in the arm chair
before he uttered a word, his feelings overcame him, and he lifted up his voice and wept, with a loud and bitter cry,
in which we all joined feelingly. He afterwards prayed earnestly for us all that the event might be sanctified.
On Monday morning the inquest was held on his body. The accused man was arrested on Saturday night within
half an hour of the accident and lodged in the Lockup. From the evidence it was proved that he was returning from
Mt Barker in his Baker's cart in a state of intoxication, and driving at the rate of 10 or 12 miles an hour, when on
turning the corner, the cart or horse came violently in contact with my poor dear boy, who was thrown backwards
on to a heap of metal and was killed instantly. When arrested he was totally unconscious of anything having
happened. He was a tenant of mine and generally speaking a kind and honest man, except when under the
influence of drink to which unfortunately he was much addicted. He was fully committed for trial for manslaughter,
but was admitted to bail. To finish this sad story I may say That he was tried in due course at the Criminal Court
and sentenced to One years imprisonment and hard labour in the Stockade, but after serving about a month there,
his health broke down and I was entreated by his friends to sign a petition to the Governor asking the favour of his
being allowed to serve his time out in the Adelaide Gaol. I complied with the request as I did not wish to be
vindictive and he was transferred to Adelaide Gaol, to serve the rest of his time.
A crisis of faith.
In reviewing this sad incident in my history, now after a lapse of more than twenty years, I cannot fail to see the
goodness and mercy of My Heavenly Father to all of us. I believe in solemnising our minds, but especially to me.
I was at that time immersed in business both in my School by day, and as Secy of various Benefit and Building
Societies by night, working very hard, earning a great deal of money and fast becoming quite worldly in my
aspirations and habits. Being so fully engrossed by these earthly pursuits, I had also acquired the habit of the
Public House, and on several occasions found myself the worse for drink to my great disgust tho' without neglecting
my business. I gradually lost my desire and relish for the ways of religion tho still constant in my attendance on
the House of God, but it was for little else than criticising the preacher. I could not feel. Of course I had given up
preaching but did not separate myself from the Society. The ostensible reason of my giving up preaching was, that
I was appointed Precentor of the Presbyterian Church at Mt Barker at a salary of £20 per an. and used to ride over
there on Sunday mgs on a horse lent me by Mr W Steele. I was not required to attend the evening service, except
now and then. But the fact was that I had so far lost my former delight in religious matters that I was glad to avail
myself of the position of Precentor at Mt Barker. But the Lord in great mercy to my soul gave me a knock down
blow in this dreadful visitation which brought me to my knees in agony of spirit. For a time like the Psalmist I
could not understand it, I was dumb with silence. I opened not my mouth, I was consumed by the blow of His hand.
I went to Chapel on Sunday mg by myself in a rebellious frame of mind thinking hard thoughts of God and saying
like Jonah, I do well to be angry. My gourd under whose shadow I had trusted, was withered and dead my purposes
were broken off my heart within me was desolate Yes, I did well to be angry. But it was not long before other and
better feelings came to me by God's Mercy. I came to see clearly that in the inscrutable wisdom of My Heavenly
Father, He had made use of this terrible visitation of His hand to draw me back to Himself. Then I cried out with
Job “I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear, but now mine eye seeth Thee. Wherefore I abhor myself and
repent, as in dust and ashes."
Under the influence of such feelings as these, I humbled myself under the mighty hand of God, sought mercy
and forgiveness thro' my blessed Saviour determining in the strength of Divine grace for the future to know nothing
among men but Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
We buried poor dear Joe on Monday afternoon, after the inquest in the Nairne Cemetery. Nearly all the village
turned out. The S. S. Children walked before the corpse and sang at the grave, and a very solemn feeling pervaded
the large concourse of people.
Weddings.
In July 1861 my eldest daughter Mary was married to Joseph P Hughes and in Jany 1867 my second daughter
Susanna was married to Alfred H Dunn both Marriages taking place at Nairne before we finally removed from that
place at Christmas 1869.
For several years after the death of my dear boy Joe, I continued in Nairne, but did not make much progress in
worldly matters. I had in my eagerness to accumulate overstepped the mark and burdened myself with a heavy
mortgage on the shops I had built, while my income from School and other work was materially lessened. It was a
hard struggle to your dear Mother and myself to meet our engagements, and towards the end of 1869 my school
had not only fallen off in numbers, but in pence, so that tho' I still retained 50 or 60 children in school my School
fees did not amount to 5/- per week while the Education Board reduced my Stipend to £60. I had been in the
Township nearly 20 years, and as everything looked as if Nairne were going down, we resolved to remove.
A new challenge c.1870
Accordingly I applied for and obtained the school at Virginia 18 miles from Adelaide on the North Road. A Public
Dinner was given to me over which Mr Townsend our Member for the Dist presided, at which a silver watch was
presented to me by the Finders Lodge of Odd Fellows in token of their appreciation of my services as Secy for a
period of 15 years. I was also presented with a pair of gold spectacles and case, by the members of my class,
together with an address, at a tea meeting held in my honour in the Wesleyan Chapel by the Revd T Edmeades for
I had been the Leader of a large Class ever since the death of poor Joe seven years before.
This is the last entry by Joseph in his Journal he died in 1892 aged 76.
The complete Journal can be found under the “Books” button on the Home Page.
Dear Readers:
It is hoped that you have been touched by this very human story.
Joseph wrote it wishing that it would circulate in the family enabling a better
understanding of the past and it is in this spirit that I have published it for all.
Over the past 100yrs the Journal has moved in an undocumented way amongst the family, I can
remember reading it in the 1950’s, when it was for some years in the custody of my mother,
Marjorie Anderson nee Hughes. She loaned it and contact was lost until 2012 when on
a trip to Perth I was thrilled to see it again, then in the safe hands of Leith Ryder.
Now wherever it is, family and interested others can share it via this website.
A photocopy of the Journal with transcription is held by the State Library of Sth Australia.
Audrey Mary Fenn nee Anderson 2016
THE LOCKED JOURNAL
Page 6.
It was now the middle of winter and the wettest winter the Colony has ever known, and the day we went back
was no exception. We started before noon, but before we got a mile on our way, while going thro' Weston's Flat,
which was a sheet of water 200 yards long, the dray got bogged, and all the efforts of the driver were unavailing to
make the bullocks move; while the driver lost heart entirely, and cried bitterly and the rain pouring down like a
torrent, we were all in a most pitiable condition, the poor children drenched, and our beds and clothing wet
through. When the rain ceased I went to a man I saw just putting his horses into the plough in a paddock near by
and asked him to kindly give us a pull out of the bog with his horses, but he flatly refused, said he wanted to get on
with his ploughing which was all behind. I appealed to his sympathy for my poor wife and children but to no
purpose, and I was just sorrowfully leaving him when his wife came out, and on my stating my case to her, she
said her husband should go, and as the "grey mare was the better horse" he had to do so, grumbling and swearing
all the time. However his horses soon pulled both bullocks and dray out on to firmer land and I was grateful to him.
His name was Weston, as I have remembered ever since. But the rain again came down, and so slow was our
progress, that night fell before we got to Mt Barker Flat, and we were unable to get over the log bridge into Mt
Barker. The fact was, our driver was no Bullock driver, he couldn't even swear. In this extremity, we were obliged
to seek shelter, at Mr Dare's lodgings at Mr Ben Fuller's. Nothing could have been kinder than the reception we
received. Mr Dare busied himself with caring for the poor children, and both Mr and Mrs Fuller rendered us every
service in their power. After a hearty meal beds were improvised on the floor for the children and the Mother and
young John Dunn, now Hon John, M.L.C. took me home with him to sleep. In the meantime our belongings were
left to take care of themselves, but in the morning were found alright, and thanking all our friends for their great
kindness, we started after a good breakfast to continue our journey. We had only 4 miles to go to Hay Valley but
so bad were the roads, that we were bogged several times, and it was after dark before we reached our home, being
two days in doing twelve miles.
Starting again.
Within a fortnight thereafter we removed into Nairne. I was led to take this step, at the suggestion of Mr Dawes
the Miller, who had in several ways assisted me, and who promised that whenever they formed a District Council
he would see to it that I should be appointed Clerk and I knew he had influence enough and the owner of the house
Mr S Sanders would expect no rent, until I was in a position to pay for it, which I honorably did a few months
afterwards. Mr Dawes also told me to roll a bag of flour over when I wanted it, and pay when I could - (I lived just
opposite the Mill). I also earned a few shillings now and then in writing letters and making out a/cs for the farmers.
Another disappointment.
About this time I received a letter from the Revd Mr Newland, Congregational Minister of Encounter Bay, and
one of the largest Farmers around, in fact, he was called the King of Encounter Bay, stating that the RevD Mr Stow
of Adelaide had recommended me, as a fit man to occupy the position of a Congregational Preacher at Port Elliot
and Currency Creek. Port Elliot being a rising place at that time and thought likely by some to rival even Port
Adelaide. He would also use his influence to get me the License for Teaching at Port Elliot, and wishing me to
come and see him. Accordingly, I started off one morning with my blanket and Swag in which was the only suit
of rusty black I possessed, to tramp to Encounter Bay, a distance of over 70 miles, but that was nothing to me at
that time. How I lost my way in the Finniss Scrub, wandering all day I know not whither. How I crossed the
Black Swamp at the imminent risk of life and slept in an old disused Chapel at Currency Creek until forced to get
up by myriads of fleas and mosquitos, must pass for saying. Suffice it that I reached Pt Elliott [sic] by day break the
third morning and then continued my journey along the Coast to Encounter Bay. I had to cross a small river, the
Inman or the Hindmarsh, there being no bridge, so I undressed and placing my swag and clothes on my head I
waded through, it was not above waist high, and getting to the other side, I made my toilet casting off my digging
clothes and putting on my Clerical Costume, such as it was, to make myself more presentable. But I had a
“shocking bad hat”. In this guise I appeared before Mr Newland who received me very kindly, and at tea shortly
afterwards introduced me to his lady and family and also to the visitors present of whom there were among others
a Mr England and a Mr Coulthard, two young Civil Engineers, not long from home, the latter of whom, some years
afterwards, perished miserably of thirst in the North West Bush, on an exploring expedition. His remains when
discovered were identified by his canteen, on which he had scratched a record of his dreadful sufferings.
That canteen is now I think to be seen in the Museum. This was Thursday and for the two next days I occupied
myself in viewing the splendid scenery of the Bay, in reading from the fine library there and in other ways. On the
Saturday evg. he informed me that he had arranged for me to preach at Port Elliot on Sunday mg., and at his
Tabernacle at night so that he might hear me. Accordingly on Sunday mg. his son Samuel, late the Treasurer
of S.A. were mounted on horse back, which to me at least was a novel and very painful experience, and proceeded
to Port Elliot. I preached in a large barn or unfinished shed, but there was a good audience of about 50 or 60
persons among whom where [sic] the late Mr O K Richardson Under Secretary, and Captain Lipson Harbour
Master of the Port. We got back in the afternoon and I preached for Mr Newland at his church in the evening under
most distressing circumstances. On Monday mg. after breakfast he took me out into the arbor in his beautiful
garden, sloping down to the sea, the panorama of sea and land one of the most magnificent pictures I ever beheld,
and asked me what it was to be. He was willing to abide by his offer and thought he could see the leadings of
Providence in it. I replied that at present I felt much afraid that I should fail in fulfilling such a responsible position,
but I would think over his kind offer, and ask the Lord's direction and definitely reply within a fortnight. To this
he agreed, and we parted, and I never saw him any more, as he was killed some years afterwards in travelling
between town and Encounter Bay. I must pass over my journey homewards, merely stating that I lost myself again
in the Finiss [sic] Scrub, was picked up by an old Farmer named McHarg who kindly took me to his house, and
gave me a good meal and then put me in the track to the Black Swamp, saying I couldn't well lose now. But I did
lose it, and wandered about till long after nightfall when I was attracted by a light, and at last weary and footsore
I was received into the house of a Mr Sunman, and found I had wandered almost back to Currency Creek. I spent
the night under his hospitable roof and next mg. he mounted his horse and went with me some miles in fact nearly
to the Black Swamp, which I safely crossed and was soon on the high track to Strathalbyn.
I reached home in due course, and thought and prayed about the matter. Your Mother thought it was a merciful
interposition of God on our behalf but the more I thought about it, the more distasteful it became. While I preached
for the love of God, I could be happy enough but I thought if I was a hired preacher, at so much a week or quarter,
I should never feel I was in my right place, and should come to loathe it. Besides, I knew that the Congregationalists
liked good sermons, and I doubted my ability to give them, and so, when the fortnight was nearly up, I wrote Mr
Newland declining his offer. Mr G. Taplin afterwards Protector of Aborigines was soon after appointed to the
position and I believe fulfilled its duties with far greater ability than I should have done.
Town Clerk of Nairne
It was in August 1853, I think, that the Nairne District Council was formed and I was chosen Clerk at a salary of
£100 per annum, thus happily lifting me out of all my poverty and trouble. It was soon after this, that Mr Tilley and
myself became tenants under Mrs Smillie on her home section at the "Vallies" 3 miles from Nairne. I rented 20
acres and Mr Tilley 50, the remaining ten acres forming Mrs Smillie's garden and homestead. We each built a
cottage of two rooms on our land and very soon were domiciled therein. My engagement with the Council only
required attendance at the Office 3 days a week and I therefore had a great deal of leisure to attend to our farm, for
so we dignified it. We very soon got a Cow, then some pigs and fowls, and your dear Mother was soon in her
element, with plenty to do in farm and house. We soon bought more Cows, and increased our live stock of all sorts,
and as my position as Clerk of the Council brought me plenty of other work as Secy to the Oddfellow and Foresters,
Secy Buildg Societies, etc etc etc, I had plenty to do, and the money came rolling in. I worked hard both on the farm
and at the desk, and your Mother kept the house with the sale of her produce, so that we were on the road to worldly
prosperity. And now I shall rapidly pass over the remainder of my history as you my elder dear children were now
old enough to be to some extent cognisant of all that transpired. I think it was in Jany. 1857, that I commenced
School in Nairne, resigning my Clerkship of the Council, but retaining most of my other Offices. I opened with
about 50 and in a week or two I had over 80 Scholars, so that we determined to leave our farm, and come to
Nairne to live, so as to attend to the School properly. Your dear Mother had the smaller children under her care
in a separate room, while your sister Mary was my assistant in the big School room. My Salary from the Board
was £80 per annum and Mary's £20, but I expect I took it all.
I had bought the lease with right of purchase of the acre on which the old Public House stood, and soon begun
to build a new front with three shops, but soon found it was anything but a profitable venture. In a part of this old
house we lived for some time, but afterwards I became the owner of the White House across the Creek to which
we soon removed. Here we had a fine garden with fruit trees and vines, but as both properties have passed away
from me I shall not dwell further upon the circumstances connected either with acquiring or losing them.
Perhaps it would be interesting at this time to note the state of our family say, in Jany 1857, the date of my
recommencing the practice of my profession as a teacher. I think I stated that a little girl was born when I was
away at the Diggings in 1852. Her name was Matilda. But God reclaimed her when we were at the Vallies in the
winter of 1853, and this was the first break in our family circle which was in Jany 1857, as follows.
Father and Mother, Mary 1, Susanna 2, Amelia Binfield 3, Joseph Hill 4, Annie Oceana 5, Eliza Smillie 6, and
Emma Matilda 7 the baby. I see I have misplaced Annie and Eliza the latter being the elder.
(Joseph is incorrect, his text in the Journal has been subsequently amended by an unknown person in blue ink,
as Annie Oceana b. 1849, Eliza Smillie b.1855 and “elder” amended to “younger” which is correct.)
Family members.
In 1858 Emma Matilda died at about 15 months old. Within a month or so of this death our number was again
made up to eight, by the arrival of a little boy, a rare event in our family, who was named William Charles 9. Two
years later viz. in 1860, our youngest child Isabella Bond 10 was born, and this completed our family number
viz. ten children, of whom two were dead. But there are other deaths to record, so distressing and agonising in
their nature that I cannot bring myself to record them at this present.
Footnote.
Order of children & dates of birth:
1. Mary b 1839 Windsor; 2. Susanna b 1841 Windsor; 3. Amelia Binfield c. 1843 Windsor; 4. Joseph Hill b 1846
Lancaster; 5. Annie Oceana b 1849 nr Teneriffe; 6. Matilda b 1852 Nairne d 1853; 7. Eliza Smillie b 1855 (where
not recorded, but registered Adelaide); 8. Emma Matilda b 1857 Nairne d 1858; 9. William Charles b 1858
Nairne; 10. Isabella Bond b 1860 Nairne.
Joseph resumed his Journal 24/1/87
Family Tragedy.
Our eldest Boy, Joseph Hill, born at Lancaster England on Decr. 1st 1847 [sic], was a weakly child at his birth.
I don't think he could walk alone till nearly 2 years old. He continued weakly till we embarked for Adelaide, but the
climate of Australia evidently agreed with him and he improved rapidly. He was moderately quick at learning, and
at 14 or before he entered the services of Mr Christen the Chemist and Stationer at Nairne who also had the
Telegraph Office there, which he quickly learnt and soon became very useful to his master. On the 1st of Dec 1862
he was 16 years of age a fine promising lad and both the joy and pride of my life, but Alas! I was soon to lose him.
On Saturday night the 13th Decr, I was at the Lodge room about 7 p.m. making up my Books for it was Lodge
night, when someone came rushing in, and told me that Joe was killed near the old Mill. I ran breathlessly up,
leaving my hat and coat behind me and found him lying stretched by the side of the main road, and Dr Weld
examining him while his poor dear Mother was standing speechless and tearless (at first) by his poor body.
It required but a few minutes to complete the examination and the Doctor pronounced him dead. We then had him
conveyed to the house of Mr Hughes opposite (Father of J Hughes my son in law). Here we found the fatal wound,
the base of the skull being fractured. In his pocket I found his months wages, true to a penny. He had given notice
to leave that night, I think because his master would not raise his wages.
We then had him taken home to Byethorn where we then lived, and Oh! what a desolate house it was. Your
poor dear Mother's grief at last gave vent, and she became alarmingly ill, all thro' the night it was doubtful both to
the Doctor and to ourselves whether she would rally, but in God's great mercy, during the next day her great natural
strength prevailed, and she was mercifully spared to us.
It was truly a melancholy Sunday we passed, now and then going into the Death chamber to gaze upon the placid
features of our dead boy, only a few hours since so full of animation and life. I must not forget here to record
That our Minister Rev H. Chester, who had been preaching at Woodside, came miles out of his way in his journey
home, to condole with us. Seeing us all sitting so silent and mournful, with your Mother reclining in the arm chair
before he uttered a word, his feelings overcame him, and he lifted up his voice and wept, with a loud and bitter cry,
in which we all joined feelingly. He afterwards prayed earnestly for us all that the event might be sanctified.
On Monday morning the inquest was held on his body. The accused man was arrested on Saturday night within
half an hour of the accident and lodged in the Lockup. From the evidence it was proved that he was returning from
Mt Barker in his Baker's cart in a state of intoxication, and driving at the rate of 10 or 12 miles an hour, when on
turning the corner, the cart or horse came violently in contact with my poor dear boy, who was thrown backwards
on to a heap of metal and was killed instantly. When arrested he was totally unconscious of anything having
happened. He was a tenant of mine and generally speaking a kind and honest man, except when under the
influence of drink to which unfortunately he was much addicted. He was fully committed for trial for manslaughter,
but was admitted to bail. To finish this sad story I may say That he was tried in due course at the Criminal Court
and sentenced to One years imprisonment and hard labour in the Stockade, but after serving about a month there,
his health broke down and I was entreated by his friends to sign a petition to the Governor asking the favour of his
being allowed to serve his time out in the Adelaide Gaol. I complied with the request as I did not wish to be
vindictive and he was transferred to Adelaide Gaol, to serve the rest of his time.
A crisis of faith.
In reviewing this sad incident in my history, now after a lapse of more than twenty years, I cannot fail to see the
goodness and mercy of My Heavenly Father to all of us. I believe in solemnising our minds, but especially to me.
I was at that time immersed in business both in my School by day, and as Secy of various Benefit and Building
Societies by night, working very hard, earning a great deal of money and fast becoming quite worldly in my
aspirations and habits. Being so fully engrossed by these earthly pursuits, I had also acquired the habit of the
Public House, and on several occasions found myself the worse for drink to my great disgust tho' without neglecting
my business. I gradually lost my desire and relish for the ways of religion tho still constant in my attendance on
the House of God, but it was for little else than criticising the preacher. I could not feel. Of course I had given up
preaching but did not separate myself from the Society. The ostensible reason of my giving up preaching was, that
I was appointed Precentor of the Presbyterian Church at Mt Barker at a salary of £20 per an. and used to ride over
there on Sunday mgs on a horse lent me by Mr W Steele. I was not required to attend the evening service, except
now and then. But the fact was that I had so far lost my former delight in religious matters that I was glad to avail
myself of the position of Precentor at Mt Barker. But the Lord in great mercy to my soul gave me a knock down
blow in this dreadful visitation which brought me to my knees in agony of spirit. For a time like the Psalmist I
could not understand it, I was dumb with silence. I opened not my mouth, I was consumed by the blow of His hand.
I went to Chapel on Sunday mg by myself in a rebellious frame of mind thinking hard thoughts of God and saying
like Jonah, I do well to be angry. My gourd under whose shadow I had trusted, was withered and dead my purposes
were broken off my heart within me was desolate Yes, I did well to be angry. But it was not long before other and
better feelings came to me by God's Mercy. I came to see clearly that in the inscrutable wisdom of My Heavenly
Father, He had made use of this terrible visitation of His hand to draw me back to Himself. Then I cried out with
Job “I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear, but now mine eye seeth Thee. Wherefore I abhor myself and
repent, as in dust and ashes."
Under the influence of such feelings as these, I humbled myself under the mighty hand of God, sought mercy
and forgiveness thro' my blessed Saviour determining in the strength of Divine grace for the future to know nothing
among men but Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
We buried poor dear Joe on Monday afternoon, after the inquest in the Nairne Cemetery. Nearly all the village
turned out. The S. S. Children walked before the corpse and sang at the grave, and a very solemn feeling pervaded
the large concourse of people.
Weddings.
In July 1861 my eldest daughter Mary was married to Joseph P Hughes and in Jany 1867 my second daughter
Susanna was married to Alfred H Dunn both Marriages taking place at Nairne before we finally removed from that
place at Christmas 1869.
For several years after the death of my dear boy Joe, I continued in Nairne, but did not make much progress in
worldly matters. I had in my eagerness to accumulate overstepped the mark and burdened myself with a heavy
mortgage on the shops I had built, while my income from School and other work was materially lessened. It was a
hard struggle to your dear Mother and myself to meet our engagements, and towards the end of 1869 my school
had not only fallen off in numbers, but in pence, so that tho' I still retained 50 or 60 children in school my School
fees did not amount to 5/- per week while the Education Board reduced my Stipend to £60. I had been in the
Township nearly 20 years, and as everything looked as if Nairne were going down, we resolved to remove.
A new challenge c.1870
Accordingly I applied for and obtained the school at Virginia 18 miles from Adelaide on the North Road. A Public
Dinner was given to me over which Mr Townsend our Member for the Dist presided, at which a silver watch was
presented to me by the Finders Lodge of Odd Fellows in token of their appreciation of my services as Secy for a
period of 15 years. I was also presented with a pair of gold spectacles and case, by the members of my class,
together with an address, at a tea meeting held in my honour in the Wesleyan Chapel by the Revd T Edmeades for
I had been the Leader of a large Class ever since the death of poor Joe seven years before.
This is the last entry by Joseph in his Journal he died in 1892 aged 76.
The complete Journal can be found under the “Books” button on the Home Page.
Dear Readers:
It is hoped that you have been touched by this very human story.
Joseph wrote it wishing that it would circulate in the family enabling a better
understanding of the past and it is in this spirit that I have published it for all.
Over the past 100yrs the Journal has moved in an undocumented way amongst the family, I can
remember reading it in the 1950’s, when it was for some years in the custody of my mother,
Marjorie Anderson nee Hughes. She loaned it and contact was lost until 2012 when on
a trip to Perth I was thrilled to see it again, then in the safe hands of Leith Ryder.
Now wherever it is, family and interested others can share it via this website.
A photocopy of the Journal with transcription is held by the State Library of Sth Australia.
Audrey Mary Fenn nee Anderson 2016